Trump launches 'Project Freedom' to unstick ships in Hormuz

President Trump announced that the United States will shepherd stuck ships out of the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday under the banner of “Project Freedom,” positioning the effort as humanitarian intervention rather than military posturing.

The initiative will involve 15,000 personnel, guided-missile destroyers, and over 100 aircraft, according to US Central Command. Trump declared on social media that “any interference” with the operation “will have to be dealt with forcefully,” though he refrained from naming which countries would benefit from US guidance.

Some 20,000 sailors have remained trapped in the Persian Gulf since conflict erupted, with dwindling supplies raising concerns about their physical and mental wellbeing. About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas typically transits the strait, making the blockade a significant economic pressure point.

Iran’s role in all this remains unclear. An Iranian lawmaker warned that American “interference” would violate ceasefire terms, yet Trump claimed representatives from Washington and Tehran were having “very positive” discussions that could yield something beneficial for everyone involved. The US has not formally confirmed receiving Iran’s latest peace proposal, delivered via Pakistan, though Trump told Israeli media the 14-point plan was unacceptable.

That proposal asks for US force withdrawal from Iran’s borders, an end to the naval blockade, cessation of all hostilities including Israel’s Lebanon offensive, and agreement within 30 days. Notably absent: Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran insists remains peaceful despite enriching uranium near weapons-grade levels.

Trump suggested military strikes against Iranian targets remained “a possibility” if Tehran misbehaves, adding tersely: “we’re not leaving.” His posture indicates little appetite for a full withdrawal, framing any commitment as permanent rather than temporary.

Complicating matters further, a tanker was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile in the strait late Sunday, though the crew survived the incident. The hazards facing maritime traffic show no signs of abating.